Sociology (SOC)

Sociology (SOC)

101 General SociologyThis course enables students to conceptualize the social world and their role in it
through application of sociological terminology and theory.Three hours, three credits.

202 Social ProblemsThrough a sociological lens this course will examine societal issues, social structures
and human responses within the context of community, nation and world. Through the
practical application of critical thinking students will develop an understanding
of global phenomenon and barriers that people face, their causes, and social solutions.Three hours, three credits.

203 Sociology of U.S. Cultural DiversityThis course examines the social significance of racial-ethnic minorities in the United
States, including Latino American, Asian American, African American, Native American
Indian, with special emphasis on cultural diversity within the Appalachian region.
Topics examined include cultural values, contributions, and pride; prejudice and discrimination,
legal redress and societal change; mobility and status; immigration, assimilation,
segregation, population transfer, genocide and pluralism.Three hours, three credits.

204 Sociology of SportA course designed to introduce students to the study of sport as a social institution
which influences people of all ages through personal involvement, community involvement,
and media accounts of national and international activities. Topics covered in this
course will include: cultural, economic, and political influence in sports; issues
of deviance, gender, race, ethnicity, class, and physical and mental challenges as
related to sport; and a sociological examination of recreational, interscholastic,
intercollegiate, amateur, professional, and Olympic sports.Three hours, three credits.

205 Marriage and the FamilyThis course examines family as a basic unit of human socialization. Topics addressed
include cultural variations on the formation and dissolution of committed partnerships
of all forms, including processes and structures of parenting, courtship, relationship
discord, marriage, civil unions, separation, and divorce.Three hours, three credits.

206 Introduction to American Folk StudiesAn introduction to the genres of folk life as applied to urban, rural, historical,
and contemporary American folk culture.Three hours, three credits.

207 Sociology of Sex and Gender RolesA sociological examination of sex and gender roles as they are influenced by cultural
traditions and transformation. This course explores theories and perspectives on sex,
gender, and gender identity, with emphasis on the socialization process, influence
of societal institutions, and practical applications.Three hours, three credits.

303 Cultural Diversity Applications in Schools and SocietyStudents will integrate knowledge from the disciplines of sociology, education, and
related fields to develop a deeper understanding of diversity issues and multi-cultural
applications in schools and society today.Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.Three hours, three credits.

310 Social Class and InequalityAn examination of the major sociological perspectives concerning social stratification
and structural inequality. Various issues pertaining to social mobility, power, poverty,
lifestyles, and socioeconomic status will also be discussed.Prerequisite: SOC 101.Three hours, three credits.

320 Deviance and Social ControlAn examination of deviance, norms, and the various sociological theories of deviant
behavior. An emphasis upon the relationship of deviance to criminal behavior, as well
as the social control mechanisms and our economic system. Deterrence and various types
of deviant behavior will be explored.Prerequisite: SOC 101 or 202.Three hours, three credits.

330 Organizations and BehaviorAn examination of the sociological theories and perspectives of professional, civic
and other complex organizations. The course explores issues concerning work and the
economic system, bureaucratic and cooperative processes and structures, formation
of networks, and the influences that individuals and organizations have upon each
other.Prerequisite: SOC 101.Three hours, three credits.

333 Population DynamicsThis course introduces trend analysis in the study of demography by examining changes
in birth, death and redistribution of populations. In recognition of the interconnectedness
in human-resource utilization influenced by the dynamic changes in the growth, decline
and relocation of population masses around the globe, this course will allow students
to develop a broader perspective by exploring the causes and consequences of demographic
policy implications. Students will use elementary equation analysis to explain these
differences in social contexts.Prerequisites: MTH 103, MTH 107 or MTH 111 and SOC 101 or SOC 202.Three hours, three credits.

340 Collective Behavior and Social MovementsExamines the theories, issues, and responses of individuals, groups, and social institutions
in times of societal transformation or crisis. A number of historical social movements,
as well as the typologies and stages of their formation will also be examined.Prerequisite: SOC 101.Three hours, three credits.

391 Directed Study in SociologyA structured opportunity for students to apply sociological terminology and theory
to a research topic, social policy issue, or practical experience that is particularly
suited to students' interests.Prerequisite: SOC 101, or 202 or 203.One to three hours, one to three credits.

SOC 392/EPD 392 Eco-Social Justice: Issues and ApplicationsIn this course students will examine social inequalities related to environmental
issues and explore social movements and paths for individual and community action
to address them.Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.Three hours, three credits

450 Changing Roles in the Life CourseA course designed for the study of changing social roles over the life course. The
course will include comparison of age specific roles in differing populations around
the world with emphasis on aging in U.S. culture and the acceptance of varying social
norms at different life stages. Experiential learning activities will focus on student
interaction with community elders during team interaction and oral history collection.
Student production of an abbreviated autobiographical collection of personal history
for each cooperating elder will be developed using multi-media.Prerequisites: SOC 101 or SOC 202 and junior designation.Three hours, three credits.

470 Social Sciences ResearchThis is a capstone experiential course in the process and practice of research in
the social sciences. In recognition of the interconnectedness of the social research
world, this course may fill the research and writing intensive course requirements
for multiple disciplines. The interdisciplinary approach of this course allows students
to gain broader research experience with special consideration of the professional
ethics involved when dealing with human research subjects. This course emphasizes
the developmental stages required by fielding research projects and writing grant
funding proposals, with a focus on the intersection of research design and applied
theory. The laboratory portion of this course stresses the practical hands-on aspects
of collecting and computer-aided analysis of primary and secondary data resources.This course is designated Writing Intensive; a grade of "C" or higher in this course
is required for this course to count toward the six-credit-hour Writing Intensive
graduation requirement for Ferrum College. A student cannot earn a grade of "C" or
higher in this course unless he or she earns a "C" or better on the writing assignments
required by the course.Prerequisite: SSC 251.Five hours, three credits.